Peter Crouch says he can relate to the abuse Harry Maguire is receiving and recalls the ‘dark time’ in his life when he was booed at Old Trafford and criticsed while playing for England. 

Maguire was back in the firing line in England’s win over Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night, and was mocked by home fans before he scored an own-goal after coming on as a half-time substitute.

Maguire – who has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester United and lost his captaincy at the club – received even more abuse after the international friendly ended. 

Crouch says he can relate to what Maguire is going through but backs the England defender to silence his critics with his football on the pitch – claiming ‘he will come out the other side of it’.  

Peter Crouch says he can relate to the abuse Harry Maguire is receiving and recalls the ‘dark time’ in his life when he was booed at Old Trafford but backs the defender to come through it 

Maguire came on at half-time against Scotland and scored an unfortunate own goal (above)

Speaking ahead of Wolves’ clash with Liverpool on Saturday, Crouch said: ‘I can relate, unfortunately I was on the receiving end of a little bit of that. I went through a barren spell at Liverpool and when I was playing for England I was booed at Old Trafford. It was dark times.

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‘I feel will Harry Maguire it has gone past criticism and it is more ridicule. I don’t think that is what we want to see. He is going to have to answer it through his football. As long as he keeps quiet and lets the football do the talking, he will come out the other side of it.’

Maguire is set to be on the bench again when United play Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon after Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez – who both went off in the defeat at Arsenal a fortnight ago – were passed fit.

However, Raphael Varane and Mason Mount are still not ready to return. Erik ten Hag confirmed their absence at his press conference on Friday, saying: ‘No, but both are in a good place and I think shortly for a return. 

United are badly in need of a win after losing two of their first four games. Ten Hag won’t need reminding that Brighton have won three of the last four meetings between the two clubs – including his first game in charge last season when United weer beaten 2-1 at Old Trafford.